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The 5th edition of the Estoril Conferences

The 5th edition of the Estoril Conferences were a one-week series of events held in Cascais, in May 2017, with the Horasis Global Meeting marking the inaugural event of the conference week. Held since 2009, the Estoril Conferences are a meeting place of thinkers and dozens of renowned personalities, gathered to discuss the most pressing issues related to globalization.

Five editions and almost ten years later, three-hundred speakers including Nobel Prize laureates, Heads of State, Ambassadors, politicians, entrepreneurs, academics and journalists have shared their visions on the current world with thousands of spectators.

Throughout all these years we reformed and innovated each new edition of the Estoril Conferences so that they exceeded the earlier in its success. In order for the same to happen in 2017, the organization of the Estoril Conferences identified what is one of the greatest challenges, not only of globalization, but of the XXI Century: The largest migratory movement since World War II.

As such, and because this was a theme that involved many fields of society, the 5th Edition of the Estoril Conferences, that happened between May 29 and May 31, 2017, was exclusively dedicated to the theme: Global Migration.

The EC begin with our usual Youth Summit, a moment completely organized for the Youth and directly managed by them. With us, young people share the stage and become the mains actors of the discussion. We will proceed with the topics of the relation between culture and the media, business and society and the need to find a middle way in a world full of extremes. A dialogue between Nobel Prizes’ Laureates and Lusophone countries’ representatives will also make way to understand the power of individuals and the power of cultures to change the world.

Every two years, youngsters present at the Youth Summit Opening Ceremony will move on to the main event. The Youth Summit is the preparation for the future. An entire day dedicated to the youth and organized by them.

Research and innovation, technology, climate change, hope and strength in the years to come and how all this is connected to global migration and the concept of borders: these are the topics that the future generations want to discuss. The topics the Youth Summit will address in search of a better tomorrow.

Host: Dirk van Dierendonck (Professor of Human Resources Management, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University; Netherlands) in coordination with the Organizing Team

Research, science and innovation are key subjects of the XXI Century. Now, more than ever, the speed of technology advance has a profound impact in our lives: from drones used as a hobby to drones used to deliver products in our houses or as a military weapon. Some cars are driving and parking by themselves. Innovative apps have created a headache for governments.

However, when talking about research, science or innovation, our minds typically leave Europe and go elsewhere: either China or the United States. But is this true? How much of the world’s research, science and innovation is made in Europe? Is Europe able to keep their best brains on European soil?

One of today’s elements of state power – territory – comes with the necessity of underlining borders and frontiers in a Westphalian system. However, States, institutions, and non-state actors such as NGO’s compete in a globalized world of active citizenship that, sometimes, transcends the current concept of border. When we talk about borders and migratory flows, we are obliged, today, to also talk about democracy.

Should there be any physical borders in the age of globalization? Can liberal democracy fulfill a homogeneous concept of borders? Or has it stimulated a wider and heterogeneous concept of borders? Are there any political and social differences between borders and barriers? Are there any double standards for human flows on cross-border transactions?

Pedro Calado('Programa Escolhas' National Coordinator, High Commissioner for Migration; Portugal)

José Manuel Aragão (Community organizer, Programa Escolhas; Portugal)

Moderator: Arie Kacowicz (Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Israel)

Global warming is a controversy because part of the world simply denies it. However, there is enough scientific accordance in the claim that much of the climate change is man-made. However, skepticism towards the rise of global temperature may give us the belief that an international framework to work on a global response to protect our planet is not a priority.

Is there or is there not a global effort to react to global climate change? How can we convince political leaders, societies, companies and international organizations to be committed on having the protection of our planet as one of our common priorities? How can we reach ambitious goals with the current Agreements on the Agenda? Will the Paris Agreement’s “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs) prosper in the years to come?

This panel aims to share the live testimonial of somebody who has suffered the atrocities of terrorism and aims at proving that terrorism, as a form of political violence that envisages the consolidation of its goals through fear, is never successful. By not only surviving heroically to terrorism, but mainly by creating new ways of life after traumatic incidents, this speaker is an example of courage, boldness and determination.

14.00 – 15.00 Global Migration on the field (Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

We know that international order is no longer confined to State actors. Today societies themselves are actors who take part on the political, economic and social arenas. The well-being of citizens is, nowadays, thought of by a multiplicity of actors.

What does it take for civil society to assure fundamental rights to citizens? Are these new actors on the field replacing the main duties of a State? What are the political barriers they face? Are these civic international platforms a proof that the global civil society is getting stronger, day by day?

15.00 – 15.45Technology: an answer to the humanitarian crisis?(Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

In the XXI century, social entrepreneurship has gained a new form with technology. Technology is at the center of the debate when it has the power to connect those who seek a life with dignity and those who bring innovative ideas to help refugees to be connected to the rest of the world.

Is social entrepreneurship more trustable than governments when helping refugees? How can technology provide a sustainable integration? Is technology the easiest way to educate refugees? Are public institutions incapable of offering the same technological solutions to refugees?

15.45 – 16.30Address to the Youth: Pro-bono in the XXI century (Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

How do we get things done in the name of the greater good in this world? We will be sharing with the youth the “Good Lobby” project, a startup that connects an individual expertise to the needs of an NGO.

Is it really possible to do pro bono work for someone we don’t know? Is there any need to convince ourselves to do it? How can we advocate for others and how can that help us? Is responsible civic sense still alive or has it become weaker? Are them more important than us?

Alberto Alemanno(‎Professor of Law, HEC Paris, Founder and Director of The Good Lobby; Italy)

Migration is often perceived as a challenge to be managed by governments while businesses are left behind as mere employers. In the XXI century, however, businesses are beginning to play a more important role on the complex issues brought about by migration. Many companies are now contributing to environmental efforts, reducing their carbon footprint; others play the role of philanthropists, donating or volunteering to charity; and almost every company today tries to promote ethical labor practices, contributing to a positive social inclusion of migrant workers.

Migration has always had a very unmistakable reflection in all cultural manifestations. Literature and cinema, for example, have given a wide and strong expression of the phenomenon, whether the reason was the war theme, or the search for new settings where the desires of those that have abandoned their homelands can become true. But also painters, sculptors, musicians and other artists have occupied themselves with the theme. Journalism was equally touched by these situations of crisis and has given particular testimony of them.

Economic crises in conjunction with the refugee crisis led to a political perfect storm, giving rise to a wave of populism in several European countries. Although it has arrived as a surprise in the "Old Continent", populism is nothing new in South America, albeit for different reasons, such as inequality.

How is the Southern American continent seeing the recent rise of populism in Europe? What can Europe learn from the several populist trends of Latin America?

(This session was developed in partnership with Horasis Global Meeting)

We live in a world of extremes and we become desensitized by distress. There might be a better way - a middle way - where we can discover common ground for peace, personally and universally. What will it take for us to become softer, more caring, and trusting - and being more together?

(This session was developed in partnership with Horasis Global Meeting)

A Nobel Prize recognises advancement of human endeavour in Science, Culture and the Humanities: their recipients represent world-class achievement. Four Alumni will inform us how their prize helped others to generate togetherness as a force against ignorance and adversity.

Is migration affecting democracy? And can, in any way, democracy affect migration? Some of the most recent democratic acts point to a clear answer: yes. There is a growing rise in xenophobic and nationalist speeches and migration is often used by populist leaders as a powerful instrument to buffer extremist positions. Will this be a point of no return? Will migration contribute to the growing trend of illiberal democracies? Or can the challenge of migration serve as a democracy-enhancer tool?

In a globalized world where the advantages and disadvantages of integrated areas are major topics, language is a particular unifying bond. Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages in the world and the Lusophone space provides a distinguished example of mutual cooperation and empathy. How can this closeness provided by a common language be deepened?

Wars, demographic imbalances, climate change will thrust more people into migration. Should we open our borders? What facts must be discussed with the citizens? What are the implications short and long-term?

The globe and its people are not as fractured as we may think. In lands ravaged by war or natural disaster or in lands subject to economic or political uncertainty kind acts take place. How do we inculcate stronger feelings of togetherness to enable personal, local and international growth through innovation, entrepreneurship and good ethics? The Estoril Local Answers Award is an award granted to an initiative that helps to raise awareness and solve global challenges at a local level.

Award Delivered by

Catarina de Albuquerque (Executive Chair of the UN partnership Sanitation and Water for All, first UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation; Portugal)

20.00 – 22.30 Parallel Event: Youth Summit Dinner

MAY 30

Migration With(out) Boundaries

The goal of this first day is to reflect upon migration outside a crisis conjuncture – what challenges does regular migration bring to the world?

However ordinary and old the phenomenon may be, we are currently living in times of unprecedented human mobility. In this growingly interconnected world, migratory flows are increasingly seen as multi-faceted challenges to States and polities. Mass movements of people are highly contested for interfering with national sovereignty and security, national and cultural identity, rule of law and human rights, sustainability of the welfare state, employment policies, population, public health, international relations, national and international security and public order. But migration is also affiliated with opportunities such as the correction of labor market imbalances, spur innovation and economic growth.

People have moved from their home countries for all sorts of reasons: some are drawn by pull factors while others migrate because of push factors, finding it difficult to remain in their original territories. From an historical perspective, this panel will address the most relevant pull and push factors to human migration.

Due to globalization, migration ceased to be regional and became globalized. National populations became increasingly confronted with the arrivals of people sharing different cultures, religions and beliefs. This shift on the very composition of national residents leads to several challenges on social cohesion. If social diversity is seen as a source of strength, polities may become more cohesive and more prosperous. However, if diversity is not properly addressed, the conflicting pressures underlying pluralism may lead to tensions, social conflicts and, eventually, ethnical conflicts. This panel will address the pressing challenges underlying pluralism and global migration: how can social cohesion be safeguarded in countries that have a strong tradition of homogenous population? How should migrants be integrated in the host communities? How can religious and cultural differences and beliefs be protected without eroding the destination societies? Has multiculturalism failed?

Migration is now global, comprised by a worldwide circulation of experiences, know-how, education and ideas. This panel will address the many questions related to the economic impact of migration: are immigrants an opportunity or a threat to national economies? How do they affect salaries both in the host and home countries? What threats may migrants present in States with high levels of unemployment? What is the potential of migrants to create employment? What is their level of entrepreneurship?

Europe is facing extraordinary stresses with political realities looking very different than formerly. How might these alternative futures develop? A debate between two of the bearers of both sides of the political debate.

Nigel Farage(Member of the European Parliament; Former leader of the UKIP; UK)

15.00 – 15.30 Keynote: The Future of Europe as a Global Actor – is United in Diversity at risk? (Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

The debate set by the White Book on the Future of Europe will mark the next months and will possibly frame the European Union policy for the coming years. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the EU is facing the question: “What future do we want for ourselves, for our children and for our Union?”

One of the most important and evident issues is migration. United in diversity faces serious contenders, both from the inside and the exterior of European borders. The role of the EU as a global actor is fundamental when addressing migratory flows. Will this be a leading role? After the success of the European project in the 20th century, is Europe ready to face the challenges that the 21st century poses?

15.30 – 16.30Conference: Fighting Crime in a Democracy: What Role and Limits to the Criminal Justice System?(Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

Liberal democracy entails the rule of law with the guarantees of due process and the protection of fundamental rights lying at its very core. Guilt and its likeable provability are essential to trigger the criminal justice system. Defendants are entitled to fundamental defense guarantees that often place them at the very core of criminal law. But the enemies of democracy today are varied and vested with new tools that question the foundations upon which said system is founded: state-sponsored cyber-attacks, violence fired by fake news, corruption by high-state officials, illegal surveillance practices, hate speech, terrorism... Unlawful combatants, targeted killings, Guantanamo Bay, mass surveillance: what is the fair price to pay to keep our democracies alive?

Edward Snowden is a living contradiction: he is a north-American freedom of speech activist who found temporary refuge in Russia. He was forced to run from the United States of America after disclosing and leaking to The Guardian and The Washington Post several mass surveillance programs conducted by national governments, including the government of the U.S.A. Currently, he is dedicating his life to the protection of journalists all over the world and the freedom of the press by developing new technologies and safe systems of disclosing information to credible press organizations.

17.45 – 18.30 Global Dialogue: A modern defence to a century old charge(Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

The information leaked by Edward Snowden has led to a yet unanswered question: has he made any harm to his own country or has he done us all a public service?

He is currently charged under the Espionage Act of 1917, a law enacted a century ago that finds guilty those who, “…with intent or reason to believe that the information to be obtained is to be used to the injury of the United States, or to the advantage of any foreign nation…”.

In a conversation with Baltasar Garzón, a former Spanish judge and an expert on universal jurisdiction and human rights, we will understand how the Espionage Act of 1917 conflicts with the right to free speech, what human rights may be at stake and and how can Edward Snowden defend himself from what he is being accused of.

Civic engagement and grassroots activism are changing in its ways to impact society by adapting to new technologies and forms of communication. Unconventionality is the norm. This panel is addressed to each and every one of us: can we really change the world?

Without intruding, Yannis Behrakis has witnessed and photographed for the entire world to see the paths of hope despair walked by millions of migrants. For nearly three decades he has been a witness of the mass movement of people: in the Middle East, in the Balkans and in Europe. His lens has captured the hopes of new beginnings and the despair of many endings. Behrakis has received several awards for his work, namely the World Press Photo in General News Stories in 2000, and was elected photographer of the year 2015 by The Guardian and Photojournalist of the Year 2015 by REUTERS.

Behrakis wants his work to speak for himself, establishing a connection and the feeling of shared responsibility. In this keynote speech, Yannis Behrakis will speak himself, making us understand what are the reasons for his work, what is his responsibility and what is his opinion on what we, as individuals, should be doing.

This day will address the challenges that are brought by a scenario of migration crises, as the current refugees’ crisis – and that place higher demands not only on transit and host countries but also on the global level. Migration crises are a worldwide phenomenon: they may occur periodically and take place in virtually every region of the world. In 2015, there were 65.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, 21.3 million refugees and 10 million stateless people (UNHCR 2016).

The legal concept of refugees concerns forced displacement by conflict, fear of threat or persecution. However, forced displacement is caused by other factors like climate change, food or water insecurity, population growth or poor urban planning. These groups of populations typically migrate in large numbers and face pressing threats on their survival although without triggering the protection system of asylum seekers.

This panel will address the main forced displacement factors, considering the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants: how can preventive tools be designed to avoid the recurrence of displacement factors? How should environmental migration be managed? In what practical ways must other States be solidary with the most affected host and transit countries?

Karen AbuZayd (Special Adviser on the Summit on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants; USA)

The erosion of borders raises concerns with security and public order protection. The introduction of diversity in previously homogenous populations leads to fears that immigration will increase social conflicts, with the potential escalation of ethnic conflicts or terrorist attacks. What may be the connection between migration and threats to public security? Should transnational terrorist threats lead to the reinforcement of national borders?

Traditionally, refugees flee to neighboring States to seek protection. In consequence, countries such as Jordan, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Pakistan and Turkey are currently faced with extraordinary migratory pressure. They do not have the means to accommodate all those who seek their borders for protection.

What can be expected after the historic UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants? Are States prepared to deepen integration and cooperation in this context? What tools should be developed to enhance cooperation between States to tackle the refugees’ global problem? Is it feasible to design and enforce permanent programs of refugees’ resettlement worldwide? Is it morally correct to negotiate agreements with the transit countries to prevent refugees from searching other territories? What are the role and powers of supranational organizations and NGO’s in these processes?

Alexander Betts(Director of the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford; UK)

12.30 – 13.00Special Keynote Address: Will the Miracle Endure? The Dream of a Global Compact on Migration(Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

On September 19, 2016 a “little” miracle happened: all the Member States of the United Nations agreed on “The New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants”, an important political message that migration and refugee matters have become major issues in the international agenda. The declaration set in motion a series of consultations and negotiations for the adoption of the global compact on migration in 2018. Will the miracle endure?

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the foremost intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. It has 166 member states and offices in more than one hundred countries. Its mission is to promote the humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

In September 2016, the IOM joined the United Nations system as a related organization during the United Nations General Assembly high-level summit to address large movements of refugees and migrants.

How is the IOM dealing with the recent migration crises? What is its role in the global governance of migration? How are the challenges being addressed?

William Lacy Swing is the Director General of the International Organization for Migration and the only person in the world to address these and other questions on international migration

In times of migratory crises there is a higher risk of disrespecting human rights. This is particularly threatening for societies’ most vulnerable persons which include migrants, especially illegal migrants. In this context, one must recall the human rights that claim protection, namely in what regards especially vulnerable persons such as women and children.

What threats to the respect of human rights of illegal migrants may be at stake? Who are the actors in charge of enforcing such rights? How can global cooperation be enforced to tackle transnational criminal networks? Who is accountable for human rights violations under these circumstances? Are States bound to a duty to protect refugees even outside their own sovereign territory?

The modern tale of European integration can no longer afford to be a self-contained narrative. Placed in the middle of a wider geographical patchwork, Europe has been recently confronted with the influx of massive cross-country migration. The reaction of the continental bloc to such a phenomenon, however, may well represent a major existential dilemma for the EU: more than any other previous crisis, the impact of the present one largely transcends national boundaries and dramatically challenges, at the same time, local, national and supra-national structures. The issue has conquered the heart of both decision-making and opinion-making fora.

Only some years after the beginning of the crisis, the moment for thorough assessment has arrived. To efficiently tackle migration flows, is the EU ready to enforce the cooperation between Member-States, with a fair distribution of their responsibilities, while also ensuring an effective protection of persons, both migrants and European citizens? Can the European Single External Border become a token of further integration, towards a Security and Defence Union, or will it be rather remembered as an ultimate failure of Brussels ambitions?

José Carreira(Director of EASO – European Asylum Support Office; Portugal)

16.15 – 17.00 Conference: The Control of the EU External Borders and Strategic Partnerships(Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

The European Union is strengthening its external borders to control migration flows in what represents one of the most controversial aspects of the migration debate in Europe. The problem is twofold, encompassing the internal dimension, including the reform of border control mechanisms, and the external dimension. Considering the EU Migration Partnership Framework, adopted by the Council in June 2016, this option has been under considerable scrutiny and is perceived by some as a way to address the migratory problem and by others as a way to outsource it. Moreover, Europeans are facing important electoral cycles and the subject of border control has entered the political arena.

What are the consequences of implementing these reforms? What changes with the creation of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, launched less than a year after being proposed by the Commission? What lies ahead for Dublin IV? Are there privacy issues prompted by the enactment of the European Databases?

Extremism is often displayed as religious intolerance – which is born most often by women and children. We shall listen to the travails of two testimonies from the field, of their memories and of their endeavors to educate and to eradicate the need to flee.

18.30 – 19.30 Final Conference: Challenges to Open Democracies(Estoril Congress Center, Main Auditorium)

Madeleine Albright will address the dangers that haunt western democracies today and that undermine the fate of American Liberalism: populism, xenophobia, hate speech, the rise of extremism, growing inequality, global surveillance disclosures.